So I got my son to shoot with me today and realized his bow is way too small for him now. He can't come to a full draw. I need to get him into a little bigger bow. He is 6. I'll have to measure his draw and will give that tomorrow. Thanks for any help. He has a Samick Angel right now.
Mike at Maddog Archery makes a fantastic youth bow. Black rhino bows are great as well. Check em out...perfect bows for a youth.
This Tradgang sponsor will help you out out as well.
Saint Joe River Bows (http://www.stjoeriverbows.com/)
x2 on Maddog or Black Rhino, can't go wrong with either one, they are just very different. My kids grew up on Black Rhinos, they are a nearly bulletproof grey actionwood mild D/R longbow that strings up to a D-shape. Very much like a mini Bear Montana.
Ditto on Maddogs bows. My kids love them. Their pretty powerful for a youth bow. Definitely not toys. Fit and finish excellent. Plus, Mike will answer any questions you have making the purchase go easy. I have also heard great reviews on the bowyers mentioned above. Good luck :-)
many of the sponsors make great kids bows...you won't go wrong there.
I have 4 kids with RH and LH mix...and they all have friends...so I just have a "stock" of fiberglass and low weight dual shelf bows.
My experience has been kids like to watch arrows fly...and getting a kid their own custom color arrows is a bigger deal to them than the bow....
I will second using St Joe River Bows. They make great youth bows if you talk to Tracey there she will help guide you with a weight that should be appropriate. They also have a trade in trade up program when they outgrow the current bow. They are a sponsor here. I bought one for my niece and nephew and they love them.
I picked up a Northern Mist used for my Grandson.
X4 Maddog Archery!
Mike Mecredy has put in a lot of time and effort building the bows for the kids bow program here. I think his bows and prices are great.
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=163;t=000253
I have experience with Elk Ridge Archery Bows for my son and St. Joe River Bows are also very nice. Don't have experience with the other bows mentioned. Some makers have a trade in program, Elk Ridge does, enjoy with your son.
I agree with ceme24, correct arrows are important!
And nothing like a pretty string, too!
There are so many bows around, Im sure someone has something for your son. And I think I could set him up with a cool looking string, just let me know.
We love David and Tracey at St. Joe River, and their youth bows are fantastic! Do take a look at their website, and you'll see the wide range of kid (and adult!) friendly colors available.
If you buy a kid a Maddog Prairie Predator, remember you bought it for the kid, you cannot keep it for yourself.
QuoteOriginally posted by Pokerdaddy:
We love David and Tracey at St. Joe River, and their youth bows are fantastic! Do take a look at their website, and you'll see the wide range of kid (and adult!) friendly colors available.
Can't say it any better than that. They volunteer their time with us (the Michigan Longbow Association) whenever needed and have even brought bows for us to use. They love youth archery and build a great product.
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p65/FadedGlory77/41234f33-6969-4013-bd50-199567436c37_zps58e5bc3c.jpg)
Love that picture!
St joe makes very kid apeeling bows with the different colors they offer but the main thing is that they shoot great to. I think the trade plan is great
Wow, so many replies. Seems to be something close to many of our hearts. There are some really great suggestions. I measured his draw, it is 17", he is 47.5" tall. Would one of the bows measured at 21-22"draw work? He can draw his Samick to about 15". It is 28.5" bow.
Also, what is a good way to figure out what draw weight is good, considering there is not a place I can try out different ones with him?
Those are some great looking bows there Limb Lover.
I would tend to think a 20@ 24 would be a good place to start. As long as he is an active child.
If you have any questions feel free to call us if you would like.
(http://i.imgur.com/BieQweR.jpg)
This is Jennas Maddog pup reflex/deflex longbow, 48" long. She likes colors lol... I think Mike says approx 6-12yo but it can be drawn to 26" and ill admit to shooting a few arrows through it when it first came. I believe the draw weight can go to 30 lbs at 24". Slick little bow...
As far as arrows I opted for a 100 pack of 1/4" hardwood shafts from Kustom King. They are advertised for youth bows up to 30#. Length 24". Sold by the dozen or 100 pack. They worked out great. Fun little arrows to make up.
Good luck :)
We have a nice selection of woods and colors on our website.
All 5 of my grandchildren and my two children started out with a 20# @24" bow. They were both Damon Howatt and Bear Little Bear. All started between 4 and 6 to shoot.
Hats off to all the bowyers who offer a youth version! It's hard enough to keep a traditional business afloat, specializing in kid's products has to be even harder!
I couldn't say who makes the "best", since I haven't tried them all. I did get my best friend's grandson a (lefty) Black Rhino for Christmas, and he's loving it! He's 3 years old, and wants to take his bow and arrows with him everywhere.
I reckon as he and his sister grow they will get the opportunity to try out a few bows along the way.
Chad